Replace worn radius arm bushings on the front suspension to restore proper alignment and handling characteristics.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm bushing kit (front) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Radius arm bushing kit (rear) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
4. Remove front wheels completely
5. Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-20 minutes
6. Take photos of radius arm orientation and positioning for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the radius arm or lower control arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning and remove the nut. Separate the sway bar link from the mounting point.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack slightly to take tension off the suspension components but do not lift the vehicle.
   ⚠The jack must remain in place throughout disassembly to control suspension movement and prevent spring tension release.
3. 3

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Remove the cotter pin from the lower ball joint castle nut if equipped. Remove the ball joint nut using appropriate socket. Insert ball joint separator tool between control arm and knuckle and separate the ball joint taper. Carefully lower the jack to allow the knuckle to swing away from the control arm.
   ⚠Do not strike the ball joint stud directly with a hammer as this can damage the threads or joint.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove radius arm rear mounting bolt
   Locate the radius arm rear mounting point at the frame rail. This is typically a large bolt passing through the rear bushing. Use a breaker bar to loosen and remove this bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers.
5. 5

   Remove radius arm front mounting bolt
   Access the front radius arm mounting bolt at the axle beam or control arm pivot point. Remove the bolt completely. Support the radius arm as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠Radius arm may be heavy and awkward to handle. Have a second person assist or use additional support.
6. 6

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   Carefully maneuver the radius arm out of the vehicle. It may require rotation or angling to clear surrounding components. Place on a clean work surface for bushing replacement.
7. 7

   Remove old bushings from radius arm
   Inspect the radius arm for the two bushings (front and rear positions). Use a hydraulic press with appropriately sized adapters to press out the old bushings. Press from the side that allows the bushing to exit without interference from any internal shoulders or stops in the radius arm bore. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush and solvent to remove all debris and corrosion.
   ⚠Ensure press adapters support the radius arm properly to avoid bending or damaging the component.
8. 8

   Install new bushings into radius arm
   Apply a light coating of silicone grease or soapy water to the outer diameter of the new bushings to ease installation. Position the bushing squarely in the bore with correct orientation (note any offset or directional markings). Use the hydraulic press with proper adapters to press the bushing into place until fully seated and flush with the radius arm housing. Repeat for the second bushing position.
   ℹ️Some bushings have directional orientation. Verify correct positioning before pressing into place.
9. 9

   Reinstall radius arm to vehicle
   Position the radius arm back into the vehicle in the reverse order of removal. Start the front mounting bolt through the bushing and into the axle beam or pivot point, but do not fully tighten. Install the rear mounting bolt through the frame bracket and bushing, leaving it loose.
10. 10

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Raise the floor jack under the control arm to bring the ball joint stud into alignment with the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle taper and install the castle nut. Tighten to specification and install a new cotter pin if applicable.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut101 Nm (75 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link back into the mounting point on the control arm or radius arm. Hold the shaft with an Allen key and install the nut. Tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Final tightening of radius arm bolts
    With the vehicle still on jack stands, raise the floor jack under the lower control arm until the suspension is at normal ride height (simulate vehicle weight on wheels). While maintaining this position, torque the front and rear radius arm mounting bolts to specification. This ensures bushings are not pre-loaded in a twisted state.
    ℹ️Suspension bushings must be torqued at ride height to prevent premature wear and binding.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat all steps for the opposite side radius arm if replacing both sides
2. Ensure all fasteners are tightened to proper specifications
3. Verify no tools or parts are left in the wheel well or under the vehicle

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from front suspension
• Check for any fluid leaks around suspension components
• Verify steering operates smoothly with no binding or resistance
• Schedule a professional front-end alignment as soon as possible after completing this repair to ensure proper tire wear and handling

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